# Mexican criminal organization diversification and law-enforc > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mexican-criminal-organization-diversification-and-law-enforc > Updated: 2026-08-27T21:54:54.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 2. Mexican criminal organizations are increasingly diversifying their operations to integrate illicit profits into the formal economy. Reports indicate that in at least nine states, groups have established approximately 50 different types of legitimate enterprises, ranging from small shops to large chains, to facilitate money laundering. The Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) is noted for this highly diversified structure, utilizing revenue from drug trafficking, fuel smuggling, and extortion to control legal companies. In specific enforcement actions, authorities have targeted smaller criminal groups. In the State of Mexico and Hidalgo, law enforcement dismantled a gang known as ‘Los Cerdos’. This group was accused of vehicle theft, extortion, and express kidnapping. Members allegedly used police uniforms and simulated patrol vehicles to intercept victims under the guise of security inspections, subsequently forcing victims to perform bank transfers. Several key members, including the alleged leader Juan ‘N’, have been detained. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-27: Los Cerdos gang dismantled in Mexico for kidnapping and extortion Mexican authorities dismantled ‘Los Cerdos’, a gang using fake police uniforms and vehicles to commit kidnapping, extortion, and vehicle theft in the State of Mexico and Hidalgo. 20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jalisco-authorities-arrest-181-people-during-summer-security-operation ### 2026-08-16: Mexican criminal groups expand into legal businesses to launder funds Criminal groups in Mexico are diversifying into legal businesses across nine states to launder money, while authorities arrest members of the “Los Cerdos” gang for violent theft and kidnapping. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexican-criminal-groups-expand-into-legal-businesses-to-launder-funds --- Cite as: Mexican criminal organization diversification and law-enforc. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mexican-criminal-organization-diversification-and-law-enforc